Weather Update: Maharashtra Braces for Heavy Rainfall; Mumbai, Pune Among 22 Districts on Alert

Pune, May 14 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Maharashtra and several other states over the next three days. A yellow alert has been issued for 22 districts in Maharashtra, including Mumbai and Pune, while an orange alert is in place for parts of Vidarbha due to the likelihood of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.

Cyclone ‘Shakti’ Likely to Form in Bay of Bengal

The IMD has warned of the possible formation of a cyclone named ‘Shakti’ between May 23 and May 28 in the Bay of Bengal. A low-pressure area is expected to develop between May 16 and May 18, which may intensify into a cyclone. The system is currently progressing over the southern Bay of Bengal, South Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands, and adjoining regions.

Rainfall Expected Across Multiple States

Several parts of Karnataka are under a yellow alert till May 16, with pre-monsoon showers expected. Between May 13 and May 14, light to moderate rainfall is predicted in:

• Gujarat
• Konkan and Goa
• Madhya Maharashtra
• Marathwada
• Chhattisgarh
• West Bengal and Sikkim
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu
• Jharkhand
• Kerala
• Puducherry and Karaikal
• Rayalaseema
• Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Monsoon Movement Underway in Maharashtra

Southwest monsoon currents have started moving across parts of the southern Bay of Bengal, Nicobar Islands, South Andaman Sea, and northern Andaman Sea. As a result, an increase in rainfall intensity is expected over Maharashtra in the coming days.

Today (May 14), isolated thunderstorms are expected across parts of the state. The onset of pre-monsoon activity has already resulted in cloudy skies and scattered rain showers since early May.

Orange Alert for Vidarbha Districts

On May 14, Buldhana, Chandrapur, and Yavatmal are likely to witness thunderstorms with lightning, heavy winds, and moderate rain. These districts are under an orange alert due to intense weather activity.

Yellow Alert for 22 Districts in Maharashtra

The following districts are expected to experience thunderstorms with lightning and light to moderate rainfall:

• Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg
• Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, Satara (including ghat regions)
• Sangli, Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed
• Latur, Dharashiv, Amravati, Akola
• Nagpur, Wardha, Washim, Gondia, Gadchiroli, Bhandara

These districts have been placed under a yellow alert as a precautionary measure.

Pune to See Continued Rain for Four Days

Pune city has witnessed cloudy skies and light showers since the past few days. On Tuesday (May 13), rain showers were reported across various parts of the city, bringing temporary relief from scorching heat. The IMD has forecast similar weather for the next four days, including:

• Thunderstorms
• Lightning
• Gusty winds
• Light to moderate rainfall

The yellow alert for Pune is expected to remain in place through the week due to high atmospheric moisture and cyclonic conditions.